Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 788, John Finley, New Jersey

SERVICE
NUMBER
New Jersey
Finley, John Elizabeth
No. 788.
CONTENTS

Reported
Payable to Robert Finley Elizabeth Vandorn Maria Danning & Hannah Beach only living chil- dren.
8429 New Jersey
Elizabeth Finley dec. widow of John Finley who was a wagon master in the Revolution Husband died 9 March, 1814
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 480 Dollars
Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1843 and ending 31 May, 1847.
Certificate of Pension issued the 15th day of Novr. 1848, and sent to
Alexander Ray Esq. Present.
[Acts of March 3, 1843, and June 17, 1844.]
Recorded in Book A Vol. 2 Page 95

act 43 no. 95 29 W 13 7 24 7
Elizabeth Imley wid of John NY
act 7 May 1838
Mumford before 1794
Instated died 1814
widow died 31 st May 1847
Adm d 2 years Wapm d March $480 00 per An m
From 4 March 1836 to 4 March 1837 Payable to her children Robert Imley, Elizabeth Van Arsdale, Maria Lanning, and Hannah Beck now surviving -
Adm d act 3 March 43 and 17 June 44. From 4 March 1843 to 31 May 1847, the day of her death payable to her children as above named
Alit Ray Present

State of New Jersey (Cumberland County)
On this ninth day of November 1848 personally appeared
before the subscribers a Judge of the Court of Common Pleas in and for said County Robert Finley a person of credit and truth who being first duly sworn according to law on his oath saith that he made the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provisions made by the act of Congress passed July 7 1838 entitled an act granting half pay and pensions to certain widows That he is the son of John and Elizabeth Finley that his said mother Elizabeth made a declaration for a pension under the act of Congress passed July 7 1836 for the services of her husband John Finley who was a wagon and Forage Master in the service of the United States during the war of the Revolution as set forth in her declaration and the proof there to on file in the war department That his said mother Elizabeth Finley died on the twenty first day of May One thousand eight hundred and forty seven leaving only the following named children viz Elizabeth Hanson Maria Lanning Hannah Beach for whom and myself the declarant asks such amount of pension as his said mother was entitled to at the time of her death Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written before me
Robert Finley
Peter Care one
of the Judges of Court of Common Pleas

STATE OF NEW JERSEY.
I, CHARLES G. McCHESNEY, Secretary of State of the State of New Jersey, do hereby certify, that Peter Gase Esquire, before whom the within affidavit was taken,
was, at the time of the doing thereof, a Judge of the Court of Common Pleas in and for the county of Mercer in said state, duly commissioned and sworn; that full faith and credit are to be given to his official attestations, and that the signature thereto is in the proper handwriting of the said Peter Gase
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed my seal of office at Trenton, in said state, this Eleventh day of November A. D. one thousand eight hundred and forty-eight.
Charles G. McChesney
Sec'y of State.

State of New Jersey / On this 22 day of May 1846 Hunterdon County personally appeared before the undersigned a Judge of the Court of Common Pleas in and for the said County Maria Lanning of Bethlehem in the County and State aforesaid age fifty years to me well known as a woman of great respecta- bility and whose veracity is not to be doubted who being first duly sworn according to law doth depose and say That she is the daughter of John and Elizabeth Truly who lived in Amwell in the County and State aforesaid Her mothers name before marriage was Elizabeth Prall daughter of Abraham Prall Esq of Amwell Township That the said John Truly died in the township of Amwell in the County of Hunterdon and State of New Jersey on the 9 th day of March 1814 and that Elizabeth Truly has ever since rem- ained a widow That she has examined the vouchers attached to the declaration of Elizabeth Truly one dated June 2 nd 1778 and one dated May 27 th 1779 and from her personal knowledge of the signature of her father the late John Truly she is satisfied that the said signatures are the genuine hand writing of the said John Truly now an aged and formerly the husband of Elizabeth Truly now a widow That she has often heard the said John Truly tell of his being a wagon Master, Forage Master, and of his acting sometimes as a Security Commission- -ary That she has often seen the papers which he preserved during the war his commission and receipts and other papers he was very careful to preserve in his life time but some

years after his death her mother being about to leave the place where they had lived and supposing that the old papers were of no use she burned them up That she believes that every effort has been made to find a record of the marriage of John and Elizabeth Smiley but none can be found and the family Bible containing the birth of their children was lost several years since when her mother was moving I seem to and subscribe the day and year last before written before me
Better Case I say
Maria Lansing

Declaration under the act of July 4 1836 State of New Jersey Hunterdon County } In this twenty second day of May One Thousand Eight Hundred and Forty Six personally appeared before the undersigned one of the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas in and for the said County Elizabeth Finley a resident of Bethlehem in the County of Hunterdon and State of New Jersey aged Eighty four years and upwards who being first duly sworn according to law doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefits of the provisions of the act of Congress passed July 4 th 1836 That she is the widow of John Finley late of the County of Hunterdon and State of New Jersey de- ceased Who was engaged in the service of the United States at the commencement of the Revolutionary war whether as a private or an officer she is unable to say till sometime in the year 1777 when he was appointed a Wagon Master or Captain of a Brigade of Wagons and teams in the service of the United States under General Mifflin in which service he continued under General Green till sometime in the summer (after the Battle of Monmouth) of 1778 she has often heard him say that he commanded a Brigade of Wagons at the Battle of Brandywine in Penn- sylvania, Sometime in the summer of 1778 or early in the autumn her said husband was appointed and commissioned a Forrage Master in the service of the United States in which arduous duty he was when this declarant was married to him (in this statement she is not mistaken) after her marriage to the said John Finley he was constant

= ly engaged in the line of his duty either at his post at Betts Town in Hunterdon County in the State of New Jersey or in the camp with the Army at Philadelphia on the North River at Morristown  Elizabeth Town  Mendham and other places and continued as by  Carriage Master and she also thinks was sometime a Deputy Commissary either under Col Moore  Furnman or Col Pickering she cannot say which but she well recollects that he was in service either as Carriage Master or Deputy Commissary long after they were married and continued to the close of the war in said service About ten or twelve years after her said husband's death she having sold out the farm on which the said John Emly lived and when about to leave the place collected all his commissions old papers receipts of which he had many which he had taken during the war and preserved till his death and thinking they were of no use with her own hands cast them into the fire and burnt them all She well knows and is sure of it that the commissions of her deceased husband were amongst the papers she destroyed as she had often seen them in her said husband's life time and after his death had looked over them up to the time they were burnt. She further declares that she was married to the above named John Emly at her father's house in Amwell township in the County of Hunterdon and State of New Jersey on the twenty sixth day of October Seventeen hundred and eighty one by the Rev John Warford Pastor of the first Presbyterian Church in Amwell

in the County of Hunterdon and State of New Jersey She has a clear and distinct recollection of her mar- riage that it was on Saturday evening and that her husband John Emley returned to his station at Pitts Town a few miles distant from where she lived on the following morning morning - She further de- clares that her name before marriage was Eliz- -abeth Prall daughter of Abraham Prall Esq. That her husband John Emley deceased on on the ninth day of March Eighteen Hun- dred and fourteen and that she has remained a widow ever since that period as will more fully appear by reference to the proof hereto annexed
She further declares that she is well acquainted with the hand writing of her late husband John Emley - That she has examined carefully the vouchers attached hereto One Number 7/Seven signed John Emley M c dated June 8 th 1778 and one signed John Emley M c dated Pitts Town May 27 1779 and declares that she is satisfied that the signa- tures are the genuine hand writing of her late husband John Emley now deceased
She further declares that she has no record or documentary evidence of her marriage or of the birth of her children in her possession nor does she know of any in existence That the bible containing the record of her marriage and the birth of her children was lost some years since when she was moving and further She saith not I swear to and subscribed by making her mark she being the inform to write on the day and year before mentioned before me Elizabeth Emley mark Peter Case Judge

I hereby certify that I have been long and intimately acquainted with Elizabeth Finley who made and subscribed the foregoing declaration and I know her to rank amongst the first class of society where she lives that she is a woman of truth and veracity and her statements are entitled to full credit and belief. And I certify that upon personal examination I am satisfied that from the debilitated state of her system she is entirely unable to attend the sitting of the Court of sessions in and for Henderson County
Peter Cave Judge

State of New Jersey
I Charles G. M c Chesney Register of the Prerogative Court of the State of New Jersey holden at Trenton in and for Said State do hereby certify that satisfactory evidence has been exhibited to said Court
that Elizabeth Finley widow of John Finley, who was a Wagon & Forage Master in the service of the United States in the war of the Revolution, was a resident of the county of Hunterdon in the State of New Jersey, and died in the said county of Hunterdon, on the thirty first day of May in the year Eighteen hundred and forty seven, leaving only the following named children viz: Robert Finley, Elizabeth Vandoren, Maria Lanning and Hannah Beach.
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court at Trenton this eleventh day of November. One thousand eight hundred and forty eight.
Charles G. M c Chesney Register

Rev. & 1812 Wars Section. ILL Am
November 13, 1930.
Mr. Harold D. Beatty 15 William Street New York, New York.
Dear Sir:
You are advised that it appears from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, W. 288 , that John Finley enlisted in Hunterdon County, New Jersey, and served a forage or wagon master with the New Jersey troops from March, 1778, until after the surrender of Cornwallis.
He married October 25, 1781 in Amwell Township, Hunterdon County, New Jersey, Elizabeth, daughter of Abraham Prall of Amwell Township, at whose house the wedding took place.
The soldier died March 9, 1814 in Amwell Township, New Jersey.
In 1846, his widow, Elizabeth, was a resident of Bethlehem, Hunterdon County, New Jersey, aged eighty-four years or more. She died there May 31, 1847.
It was stated that soldier and his wife had seven children; the following are the only names given; Maria, aged fifty years in 1846, wife of John S. Laning, aged fifty-eight years, residents of Bethlehem; New Jersey; Elizabeth Vandoren; Hannah Beach; and Robert Finley.
The above named children were allowed the pension due their mother.
Very truly yours,
E. W. MORGAN, Acting Commissioner.

Apr 1899 F.R. Searles Catskill NY 1921 Nov. 26 Heir. to Wayne D. 1930 - Nov. 13 - Heir. to Harold R. Beatty - ILL.
Rev.
WIDOW, &c.
File No. 788
Elisabetta Kinley died Widow
John Kinley Wagon Master, Rev. War.
Act: July 4, 1836.
Index: — Vol. A, Page 236
[Arrangement of 1870.]

State of New Jersey Hunterdon County
On the 22 day of May One Three and Eight Hundred forty Six personally appeared before the under- signed a Judge of the Court of Common Please in and for the County aforesaid Moses Durkin a resident of Amwell in the County and State aforesaid aged Eighty years known to me to be a credible person and one who is to be believed who being sworn, according to law and made oath as follows That he was well acquainted with John Smiley in his life time now deceased and with his wife Elizabeth Smiley - That his wife's name before marriage was Elizabeth Prall daughter of Abraham Prall Esq and was a cousin to this deponent. This deponent further saith that in October Seventeen Hundred and Eighty one and according to the best of his recollections on or about the twenty sixth day of said month he went with his father and mother to the house of his uncle Abraham Prall Esq and there at the house of said uncle saw John Smiley married to Elizabeth Prall daughter of Abraham Prall Esq by the Rev John Warford then Pastor of the first Presbyterian Church in Amwell That he then understood that the said John Smiley was an officer belong- ing to the American Army and that at that time he was discharging the duties of either a forage- master or deputy commissary at a place called Bills Farm but a few miles from where the marriage took place The reason that he has so distinct a recollection of the time is that he remembers well that it was but a short time after Cornwallis was taken

He recollects that at that time Abraham Prall Esq ranked amongst the highest class of citizens at that time and that he was an ardent Whig and he further recollects that at the wedding they had wine and that when handed around the Rev Mr Warfield after drinking to the married couple then drank the health of Gen Washington and was follow- -ed by Mr Prall who drank to the health and success of the officers and men who had cap- tured Cornwallis and his army. He saw the same people married and he is satisfied that he is not mistaken in the time he has mentioned. That John Farley has been dead a number of years and that Elizabeth Farley has since remarried a widow Sworn to and subscribed The day and year above written before me
Moses French
Peter Case Judge

✓ Letter to A. Ray Esqr. March 22 d 1847 same May 29 th 47. to same June 1 st 47.
✓ Ltr. to A. Ray Esqr. July 2 d 47 del to same Nov 30 th 47 del to same Oct 28 th 48

10.502
New Jersey Jersey
Elizabeth Finley, dec. Widow of John Finley who was a pensioner under the Act of — and who died on the 9th March, 1814 of Hunterdon in the State of New Jersey who was a Wagon Master in the Company commanded by Captain Reynolds of the Regt commanded by — in the Pennsylvania  time for 2 years
Inscribed on the Roll of Trenton at the rate of 480 Dollars — Cents per annum, to commence on the 14th day of March, 1836.
Certificate of Pension issued the 15 th day of Nov. 1848, and sent to — Ray, Esqr.,
Total amount, $ Present
[Act July 7, 1838.]
Recorded by Th. D. Humphreys Clerk, Book D Vol. 1. Page 195
Report
Payable to Robert Finley Elizabeth Van Doren Maria Danning and Hannah Beach Only living Children.

Reported
4954. Income New Jersey Elizabeth Finley, dec d widow of John Finley who died on the 9 th March 1814 of Hunterdon in the State of New Jersey who was a wagon master in the by Captain [blank] of the [blank] commanded by [blank] in the [blank] commanded time for two years
Is of Trenton Inserted on the Roll of Trenton at the rate of 600 Dollars 00 Cents per annum, to commence on the 24 th day of March, 1831, & end 31 May 1847. when she died
Certificate of Pension issued the 2 nd day of May 1831 and sent to J. Ray, Present Increased from $480:00 Dollars to the sum of
Semi-annual allowance ending Payable to surviving children Robt Finley, Elizabeth Vandoren Maria Lanning Nannah Beach
{ Revolutionary Claim, Act July 4, 1836, Section the
Recorded by J. P. Chase Clerk, Book 2 Vol. 2 Page

John Finley or Findley pri. est. N. J. Vine Country Land? Rhoda Fother children rec. in 1821 —
Recd the June 2 d 1778 of Wm Lowrey Forty Dollars in full for One Months Pay, commencing May 2 d & ending this Day.
$15.000
John Finley N. J.

FINLEY, JOHN (N.J.) W-788
John Finley done by Mr. Finley 3/13
It appears that Mr. Finley has drawn pay for the within month of Mr. Furman
Furman Yard Pitts Town 10 Feb 1799

FINLEY, JOHN (N.J.) W-788
21 st May 1889
John Finley
S.M.
12 St. Mary's
Q

Rec d Pitts Town May 27 th 1879 of Surman Ford 2M One Ream of Paper for the use of my Depart- ment
1 Ream of Paper
John Finley L.A.

Washington March 18. /50
James L. Edwards Esq Com d of Pensions
Sir,
In the case of Elizabeth Finley widow of John, late of New Jersey dec d . and who was pensioned under act 1838. at the rate of $400 per annum. for the service of her husband as "Dragon Master" agreeably to your letter of Oct 28. 48 a copy of which is herewith enclosed.
May I respectfully ask to be informed, if the claim is not entitled to an increase to $600 per annum under the late decision of the Department in the case of Henry Southard dec d and others.
In the examination of the papers filed in the case you will discover the claim was presented by me in behalf of the widow under act 4 July 1836. The evidence of marriage presented was clear strong and conclusive, the claim was pending for some time, not that objection arose as to the period of marriage. but whether the service was military. When that question was favorably decided, the letter to which I referred above, proposed an allowance under act 7 July 1838, which at the time was more reluctantly accepted . I promised the heirs, however, to renew the application under act 1836. at some subsequent time, believing, as I then did, and still do, that the claim should have been admitted under the first declaration.
I, therefore, request, that the claim under act 36

be now reconsidered. And as the poor must be satisfied the service was performed after marriage , hope the claim will be allowed, without further correspondence upon the merits of the claim made at 36.
In hoping to receive an early answer,
I remain Sir most. Ov. Sir Alex. Gray

Senate Chamber
Aug 7/48
Rev P. L. Edwards care of P. M. office,
Before
You will observe much of you can take up & you see the case of Elizabeth Foulke widow of John Foulke of N. J. before the adjournment of Congress & inform her of the result Yours sincerely J. M. Miller

J. L. Edwards Esq Court:
Sir. Will you do me the favor to send me a state- ment or schedule of the diff ts papers & affidavits in the late Leonard case of Redcarra. A copy of the evidence would be too much trouble to ask of the Depart.
Yours, &c
W. D. Dayton.
Rev. Chamber
5 July 1865.

Tumacacchi May 15 1848
James L Edwards Esq Clerk of P. District
Sir
In the case of Elizabeth Finley widow of Peter Finley of New Jersey and applicant for the act of 1836, permit her to request the reconsideration of a report, on the letter of Mr. Key relative to her claim, and her right under said act.
Yours, very respectfully J. W. Miller

Swanton Chandler June 26 1848
J. L. Edwards Esq, Care of Purdie's
Dear Sir
I call your attention your letter June to the care of Elizabeth Finley of New Jersey. As one of my cus- tomers is interested in the care, you will oblige me by giving it your careful attention
Yours very respectfully J. W. Miller

Copy/
Pension Office
October 28. 1848
Sir/
In the case of Elizabeth Finley, widow of John Finley, her husband's service for two years as a wagon master is admitted, but the proof of marriage now filed is not sufficiently satisfactory to bring her claim within the provisions of the act of 4 th July 1836.
If she will file a declaration under the act of July 7. 1838, a pension may probably be granted under that law.
I am very respectfully Your Ov. Serv.
(Signed)
J. G. Berret for Com d of Pensions
Alexander Gray Esq Present

7620. Elizabeth Finlay died widow of John New Jersey
1836 inscribed on roll at $600 per ann from 4 March 1831 to 31 May 1847 when she died, deducting what has been paid at $480 per ann under act 7 July 1838, 3 March 1843 & 17 June 1844, payable to children Robert Finlay, Eliza- beth Vandoren, Martha Lanning & Harriet Beards
(More Thorne resigned in 1780 as on account shown after his resignation)
A. Ray Prest.

Washington Sept. 28. 1847.
Your letter of the 20 th July last, in the case of Mrs. Elizabeth Findley of New Jersey, was duly received. It was forwarded to the Secretary of State of New Jersey, with the request that a particular examination of the records of his office be made, with a view to ascertain if John Findley (the applicant's husband) as Forage Master, was employed under State authority as a civilian, or by the Quarters Master Department U.S. under military obligation.
I herewith enclose you, a report from the Secretary under seal of his office, by which it appears, after a careful examination of the records of the appointments made by the Joint Meeting and Legislature of New Jersey during the War of the Revolution, the name of John Findley as Forage Master is not found among the names of the State Superintendents of Purchases, county contractors for supplies, State clothiers, and other civil appointments.
This testimony from the highest source, and being furnished at your request, shows most conclusively, that John Findley as Forage Master or as Quarters Master, was not employed under a civil State or organization , as has been supposed. You will perceive too, the Secretary of State further certifies "that the appointment of assistant Quarters Masters and Forage Masters belonged to the Quarters Master General Department of the United States, and not to the State of New Jersey."

and we find by reference to the resolution of the old Congress March 2, 1778. the Secretary is entirely correct in his statement.
As there is abundant evidence on file showing the service of John Trity as a Major and Quartermaster, it is the further requirement that he made and a certificate in spirit in the case, and to secure it to author I recommend that a list of all the officers who were in the Government. As the new way is called a list of all the officers who were in the Government should be prepared and sent to the
I believe that there is a very ample record of the service of all the officers who were in the service of the Continental Congress and who were entitled to a pension. The list of the names of the officers who were in the service of the Continental Congress and who were entitled to a pension is now in the hands of the Secretary of War. It is a very complete list and will be found very interesting to the public.
I am sure that the Secretary of War will be found very interesting to the public. It is a very complete list and will be found very interesting to the public.
I am sure that the Secretary of War will be found very interesting to the public. It is a very complete list and will be found very interesting to the public.

Washington April 28. 1847.
Sir,
In your letter of March 22 nd in the case of Elizabeth Finley widow of John, for the act 1836. You suggest that the archives of the Secretary of State of New Jersey might afford some evidence of her husband's services by which her claim might be disposed of, and "He comes probably then who was Mr Lowry of whom her husband received $40 in June 1778. for one month's pay as Quarters Master, and to what corp. Furman's Guard was Qr. Master how appointed: of whom her husband received a quire of paper in May 1779 as Forage Master."
For the latter information would refer you to the evidence afforded by the Washington Papers Department of State. You will find by the Certificate referred to, that Mr Lowry from whom John Finley F.M. received $40 in full for one month's pay from 2 Decr. to 2 June 1778. was an appt. D. 2 M. 5 in Continental Service .
And that Furman's Guard from whom John Finley F.M. received a quire of paper for the use of the Department in May 1779. was also an appt. D. 2 M. in Continental Service under M c Ne Furman D. 2 M. 5 th . these points being satisfactorily shown. In addition to the evidence on file of John Finley's service from 2 Decr. 1778. to the 27 Decr. 1779. as F.M. I present herewith a certificate from the Secretary of State of New Jersey. Showing that John Finley F.M. was charged with various sums of money from Sep. 5. 1778 to Feb. 3. 1780 for the "poor" at "Flemington".

In relation to the marriage, which you say is not shown with the necessary certainty took place in 1781. I enclose a deposition made by Jacob Hoffman, and Aaron Prall, both of Amwell County in the state of New Jersey. They distinctly state under oath they were present at the marriage of John Finley and Elizabeth Prall, gives the fact by which they can with such accuracy fix the time the marriage took place. to wit, "Soon after the surrender of Cornwallis." They further affirm that John Finley at that time was a Forage Master in the service . all this with the identity of the parties are so clearly given, that no objection I hope can arise to the full allowance of the claim, upon the evidence advanced.
I remain Sir
Very respectfully
Your Or. Sir
Also. May
Note, You are aware of course, that Moore Furman Sep. 2d 1781 received his office appointment in 1780. just before, or soon after, Timothy Pickering was appointed Quarters Master Genl., which accounts for no further record evidence from Furman's books.
J. L. Edwards Esq.
Com ee of Pensions

Washington June 23. 1847
Sir
Your letter of the 1 st inst. in the case of Mrs Elizabeth Finley of New Jersey was duly received.
It is admitted the applicant was married before Jan y 1794. while it is contended her husband belonged to a State organization. It was under this impression as I understand, the claim to a pension has been disallowed.
I am informed by the Secretary of the State of New Jersey, the records of his office afford no evidence of John Finley's appointment or pay as Forage Master of that State. In his examination the three enclosed letters were found among the papers of Moore Furman S t Q tr M Genl . They have been loaned to me for your inspection, and not to be filed in the case, they show for the years 1778. & 1779. that Charles Pettet assistant Deputy M Genl General charged, or advanced, to Moore Furman Sep r 2 M Genl for New Jersey large amount of money received from the Board of War. on account of the department under his charge and as convincing evidences that the money placed in his hands as Sep r 21 M Genl General was on continental account.
You have on file in the form of a rec d for one month's pay to John Finley as M Genl in 1778. and the rec d for one quire of paper for his department as Forage Master in 1779. And a certified extract from the Book of Moore Furman S t Q tr M Genl of various advancements etc.

"John Finley F.M." from Sep 1778. to Feb 1780.
It has been shown by certificate from the Secretary of State that both William Lowry and Furman Gard were appointed Dr Masters in continental service, While Moore Furman received his appointment from the old Congress. With the view then, to show the authority for the appointment of Forage Master and Major Masters in the Quarters Master Department - would refer you to the resolution of Congress March 2. 1778. Journals vol 2 page 462. It then appears the Quarters Master General had the appointment of Horse Officers.
In the case now under consideration, the enclosed Certificate from the Secretary of State of New Jersey being a copy of a - "Return of Officers appointed in the department of the Q.M. General of the army of the United States in the State of New Jersey ". We have the three names identified in this application, as being Officers in the Quarters Master Department of the United States . and it is further stated, "The above is a return of Officers appointed in this district that have been in constant pay since their appointment ". dated at the Post. Pittstown March 1779 sent to Camp & signed by M. Furman B. 2 M. G. New Jersey.
This additional information will I presume, settle the question that Furman Gard. B. 2 M. William Lowry. B. 2 M. and John Finley F.M. were stationed at the post at Pittstown and Flemington N.J. and were appointed as Officers of the army of the United States in the Quarters M. General. Department & in constant pay as

"John Finley F.M." from Sep 1778. to Feb 1780.
It has been shown by certificate from the Secretary of State that both William Lowry and Furman Gard were assistant Dr Masters in continental service, While Moore Furman received his appointment from the old Congress. With the view then, to show the authority for the appointment of Forage Master and Major Masters in the Quartermaster department. would refer you to the resolution of Congress March 2. 1778. Journals vol 2 page 62. It then appears the Quartermaster General had the appointment of these Officers.
In the case now under consideration, the enclosed Certificate from the Secretary of State of New Jersey being a copy of a - "Return of Officers appointed in the department of the Q.M. General of the army of the United States in the State of New Jersey ." We have the three names identified in this application, as being Officers in the Quartermaster department of the United States . and it is further stated, "The above is a return of Officers appointed in this district that have been in constant pay since their appointment !" dated at the Post. Pittstown March 1779 sent to Camp & signed by M. Furman B. 2 M. G. New Jersey).
This additional information will I presume, settle the question that Furman Gard. B. 2 M. William Lowry. B. 2 M. and John Finley F.M. were stationed at the post at Pittstown and Flemington N.J. and were appointed as Officers of the army of the United States in the Quartermaster General. Department & in constant pay as

expressed in the D. Dr. M. General C. return. Who was also competent to make appointment and returns.
I hope the impression entertained in regard to the applicants husband's service and appointment , will be now removed, and that the claim will now be allowed.
I remain Sir
Yours most. On Sir Geo. Ray
He pleased to return the above letter herewith enclosed.
J. L. Edwards Esq. Comm d of Pensions

Department of State Washington April 16. 1847
James L. Edwards Esq. Com d of Pensions
Sir
In compliance with your request I have caused the Washington Papers to be examined for evidence of the Revolutionary Services of William Lowry and Yard Furman, and have to report that: In a paper purporting to be a "Return of persons employed in the Quarter Master General's Department, under the direction of Moore Furman D.L. M. Genl at Pittstown New Jersey 1. August 1779" William Lowry and Furman Yard are reported as "Assistants D.L. M. Genl".
I am Sir very respectfully Your Obed t serv t .
James Buchanan

Sec'y of State
James L. Edwards. Gov.
Comm ee of Sessions
Mar. Sept.

Washington March 23. 67
Sir
Your letter of the 22 d in the case of Elizabeth Smiley is now before me.
I shall write to the applicant respecting further proof of marriage.
You will find information, who was Mrs Lowry of whom her husband received $40 in June 1778. and to what corps Furman's Guard was at Master's was appointed. For the most satisfactory information that can be furnished, would respectfully request of you, to write to the Department of State for an examination of the "Washington Papers" In a book marked "Returns on various subjects of N 3" will be found that Mrs Lowry and Furman's Guard were Assistant Dept. of Master in the year 1778. 9. 20 as Continental Officers.
I remain very respectfully Sir your Ser- vants
J. L. Edwards Esq Comm d of Pension Washington

John Finley
Loyd Col Dayton
May 79 - War - for
Feb 80
John Findley -
Anderson - Martin
Jan 8. 77 -
Rolls - Anderson -
war -

Washington
Feb 11. 1849.
Sir,
I enclose herewith, an application made by Elizabeth Finley widow of John. for the benefit of the act July 4. 1836.
Very respectfully
Yours &c.
Alex. N. Taylor
J. L. Edwards Esq. Com d of Pensions

Feb. 23 1847.
Needler case Elizabeth Finley
James
J. G. Edwards Esq.
Corn r & Pen r Mad
near Department
2

Washington Feb 22/47
Sir,
In the case of Elizabeth Finley widow of John, presented on the 11 th inst: it is alleged, in her declaration, that her husband commenced service before 1777, as an officer or private, but was unable to say which.
I herewith enclose you a certificate from the Secretary of State of New Jersey showing that John Finley enlisted Dec 8. 1776 and was in service May 21. 1777.
Very respectfully
Your mover.
On Ser
Stew. - Navy
J. L. Edwards Esq. Com d & Pennans

Washington May 11. 1848
Sir
In the case of Elizabeth Finley widow of John of New Jersey an applicant for the act 1836.
It is admitted her marriage took place before Jan y 1794, and that her husband served as Forage Master in the State of New Jersey during the war of the revolution. While it has been urged the service was not rendered "under Military obligation" altho' it is shown by the evidence filed in her case, that her husband was " returned as an officer appointed in the Department of the Quarter Master General of the army of the United States & being in constant pay since the appointment. "
This is a parallel case, with Ester Leonard the widow of Nath l of Indiana act 1836. to show the analogy beg to refer you to your letter of May 17. 47 in the case of the applicant, and of the 11 March 1846 to the Hon ble C. B. Smith in the case of Ester Leonard, You will readily perceive the ground for the disallowance to be as I have represented.
The evidence submitted in the case of the latter, and the objections urged against the allowance, having been subsequently reviewed by the Commissioners of Pensions, who, after a full examination of the merits of the claim and deliberation thereon, decided the evidence adduced in her case was satisfactory to grant a pension on account of the military services of her husband as a Forage Master, her name has been accordingly inscribed on the Indiana roll under act 1836.
Viewing the services of John Finley, and Nath l Leonard, both officers of the same grade in the Quarter M. Department of the United States, under M c Farlan & M c Kenzie as identically the same character , and heretofore the rejection of the one, followed the disallowance of the other, as appear

by your letter referred to.
As the Commission has since decided, the services of Capt. Leonard as Forage Master under M. Sherman & M. Ken. to have been of a military character , not only relieves that, but the claim of Capt. Finley, from the embarrassment between civil and military obligations the favorable decision of the one, must settle the principle of allowance of the other.
It is under the decision referred to, that a pension is now claimed for Mrs. Elizabeth Finley widow of John.
I remain
very respectfully
Your Ov. Serv
Alex. Ray
att for Mrs. Elizabeth Finley
James L. Edwards Esq. Com d of Pensions

CATSKILL, N. Y.,
Mar 7 th 1899
Commissioner of Pensions Washington D.C. Sir
Will you kindly refer to the pension records and give me the date of enlistment, organization & such military record as you may have of John Finlay, an officer in the Revolutionary war. He was I think connected with the N. J. (Benton) militia.
The pension was granted to his heirs about 1847, among whom was my great-grandmother Hannah Finlay Beach, then living at Pluckamin N. J. Thanking you in advance I remain
Very truly F. R. Searles Sec. U.S. Pension Ex. Board for Greene Co. N.Y.

re WAYNE DUMONT
COUNSELLOR-AT-LAW
PATERSON, N. J.
NOVEMBER TENTH, 1921.
Bureau of Pensions, Department of the Interior, Washington, D. C.
Gentlemen:-
Will you kindly let me know of the service of Corporal John Finley, together with his wife's name and address, and where John Finley is buried? I would also like the full record of Elizabeth Prall Finley, his wife, and whatever the expense is, I will gladly forward check for same upon being made acquainted with the fact.
John Finley was from Larger Cross Roads, Somerset County, New Jersey. He was a Corporal, as I understand it, having served in the Continental Army, 2nd Battalion, 2nd Establishment, 2nd Regiment. He was a pensioner of the United States at the time of his death as a Revolutionary soldier. I think his wife drew a widow's pension and that she haled from Hunterdon County, New Jersey.
Very truly yours,
Wayne Dumont
WD:T.

Ernest L. Bigelow Harold D. Beatty
Bigelow and Beatty Counselors at Law 15 William Street New York
Cable Address "EABIG" Telephone, HANOVER (9807 9608 9609 9610)
October 27, 1930.
Commissioner of Pensions, Washington, D.C.
Dear Sir, -
My family records indicate that my great-great-grandfather John Finley served in the Revolutionary War in the 2nd Batallion, 2nd Regiment, 2nd Establishment, being at one time a corporal and some time teamster in it. He died about 1814, and his wife Elizabeth Prall, died in 1846. I understand that both he and his wife received pensions from the Government. If you can furnish me with exact dates of his birth and death and facts as to his services, it will be greatly appreciated.
Very truly yours,
Harold D. Beatty

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR, BUREAU OF PENSIONS.
Washington, D. C., _____, 19_____
In reply to your request of _____, received _____ for a statement of the military history of John Furley a soldier of the REVOLUTIONARY WAR, you will find below the desired information as contained in his (or his widow's) application for pension on file in this Bureau.
   DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT. LENGTH OF SERVICE. RANK. OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED. STATE.   CAPTAIN. COLONEL.     aw Mch. 1778 Mch. 1780 Forage Master Wagon N.J.        
Battles engaged in, none stated
Residence of soldier at enlistment, White Hunterdon Co. N.J.
Date of application for pension, May 22, 1846. Her ch. was ch.
Residence at date of application, Bethlehem Hunterdon Co. N.J.
Age at date of application, She was 84. She died May 31, 1847
Remarks: He was b. Oct. 26, 1781 in Amwell Twp. Hunterdon Co. N.J. Elizabeth daughter of Abraham Trull and died Mch. 9, 1814 in Amwell Twp. N.J. There were seven children Maria wife of John, Lansing, Elizabeth Vandaren, Hannah Beall & Robert Furley are the only names stated.
Respectfully,
Commissioner.

6896
Elizabeth Finlay
N. J.
Act 4 July 36.
Repeated under 1836 and act 7 July 1838
Common law action for the same as a common mark protection.

STATE OF NEW JERSEY.
I, CHARLES G. McCHESNEY, Secretary of State of the State of New Jersey, do hereby certify, that Peter Base Esquire, before whom the within affidavit s newtaken,
was, at the time of the doing thereof, a Judge of the Court of Common Pleas in and for the county of Sussex in said state, duly commissioned and sworn; that full faith and credit are to be given to his official attestations, and that the signatures thereto are in the proper handwriting of the said Peter Base
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed my seal of office at Trenton, in said state, this Third day of February A. D. one thousand eight hundred and forty- Seven .
Charles G. McChesney Sec'y of State.

Return of Officers appointed in the Department of the Q.M. General of the Army of the United States in the State of New Jersey.
   Names of persons appointed To what business appointed At what post In what county.     Furman Yard A. Q. M Pittstown Hunterdon   William Vaux A. Q. M Hemington Do   John Finley Quartermaster Do Do  
The above is a return of Officers appointed in this district that have been in constant pay since their appointment.
Pittstown. 31. March 1779.
M. Furman Q. M. Genl. New Jersey
Sent to Camp. } Copy }
State of New Jersey
I Charles G. M c Chesney Secretary of State of the State of New Jersey do hereby certify that the above is a true extract from a paper headed as above as taken from and compared with the

original now on file in my Office
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal of Office at Trenton this thirty first day of March A.D. One thousand eight hundred and sixty seven.
Charles F. M c Cluskey Secy of State

A return of the 4 th Regiment of the State of New Jersey in the service of the United States of America under the command of Ephraim Martin Esq. Col.
   No. Name of the enlistee Time of Enlistment Place of Enlistment     9 John Finley December 8. 1776 Hunterdon  
were enlisted for twelve months - see Annual Report in 1821.
Camp Woodbridge May 21. 1777.
A true Return Ephraim Martin Col.
State of New Jersey.
I Charles G. M c Chesney Secretary of State of the State of New Jersey do hereby certify that the foregoing is a true extract from "A return of the 4 th Regiment of the State of New Jersey" as taken from and compared with the original now on file in my Office.
In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal of Office this eighteenth day of February A. D. One thousand eight hundred and forty three.
Charles G. M c Chesney Sec y of State

Account of money paid to sundry persons acting in the Quarter-master General General and Forage Departments. By Moore Furman Deputy Quarter Master General for the State of New Jersey from 2nd March 1778 to 1 March 1779 — from March 1. 1779 to June 1. 1779 — from June 1. 1779 to Sept. 1. 1779 — from Sept. 1. 1779 to Dec. 1. 1779 — from Dec. 1. 1779 to Mar. 1. 1780
   Date To whom paid What post Dols & Ninetieths     1778 Sep 5 John Finley H.M. Hlemington 200 —   " 19 Do " Do 600 —   Nov. 4 Do " Do 500 —   Dec. 6 Do " Do 500 —   " 31 Do " Do 200 —   " " Do " Do 590 63   1779 Jany 16 Do " Do 400 —   Feb. 1 Do " Do 400 —   " 8 Do " Do 1000 —   " 25 Do " Do 600 —   Mar 6 Do " Do 400 —   " 13 Do " Do 1000 —   Apr. 15 Do " Do 1520 —   1780 Feb 3 Do " Do 231 75  
State of New Jersey.
I Charles G o M c Chesney Secretary of State of the State of New Jersey do hereby certify that the foregoing is a true extract from a Book, headed as above, as taken from and compared with the original now on file in my Office.
In testimony whereof

See the Phonology of Muzang Advanced copying also of the Calipal or the Deceasing of State - It appears they were employed

State of New Jersey I, Charles G. M c Chesney Secretary of State of the State of New Jersey do hereby certify that I have carefully examined the records of the appoint- ments made by the Joint Meeting and Legislature of New Jersey during the war of the Revolution and do not find therein, the name of John Finley as Forage Master or in any other capacity; but that the said records do contain the names of the State Superintend- ant of Purchases, County contractors for Supplies, State Clothier and other civil appointments. And I further certify that the appointment of Assistant Quartermasters and Forage Masters belonged to the Quartermaster General's Department of the United States, and not to the State of New Jersey.
In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my Seal of Office at Trenton this eighteenth day of September A.D. One thousand eight hundred and forty seven.
Charles G. M c Chesney Secy of State
* unless his name may have been returned on certificates issued by the Q r . Master General's Department and received in payment for stores in this State.
Charles G. M c Chesney Secy of State

STATE OF NEW JERSEY.
I, CHARLES G. McCHESNEY, Secretary of State of the State of New Jersey, do hereby certify, that Levi M. Stettler Esquire, before whom the within affidavits were taken,
was, at the time of the doing thereof, a Justice of the Peace in and for the county of Hunterdon in said state, duly commissioned and sworn; that full faith and credit are to be given to his official attestations, and that the signatures thereto are in the proper handwriting of the said Levi M. Stettler Esq.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed my seal of office, at Trenton, in said state, this fifteenth day of April A. D. one thousand eight hundred and forty- seven .
Charles G. McChesney Sec'y of State.

State of New Jersey Hunterdon County
13 On this tenth day of April Eighteen Hundred and forty seven personally appeared before the un- -assigned a Justice of the Peace in and for the County aforesaid Jacob Hoffman of Amwell in the County and State afore- -said aged Eighty one years of age, to me known as a man of truth and ver- -city who being first duly sworn according to law doth in his oath depose and say that he was acquainted with Abra- -ham Prall of Amwell and with his family and was a relative of the said Abraham Prall that he was present at the house of the said Abraham Prall on the twenty sixth day of October one thousand seven hundred and Eighty one and there saw John Finley marri- -ed to Elizabeth Prall daughter of the said Abraham Prall by the Rev John Ward a then pastor of the first Presby- -terian Church in Amwell - He dis- -tinctly recalled that while at the wedding the principle conversation turned upon the surrender of Lord Cornwallis to the American Army and the prospect of a soon- -ing peace - The said John Finley at that time was a Forage Master in the United States Service. I sworn to and subscribed the day and year above written before me. Jacob Hoffman Levi M. Nettler Justice

State of New Jersey } On this tenth day Huntingdon County } of April Eighteen } Hundred and forty Seven, personally appeared before the undersigned a Justice of the Peace in and for the aforesaid County, Aaron Pratt a resident of Amwell in the County and State aforesaid aged Eighty three years and upwards to me known as a man of truth and veracity who being first duly sworn according to law doth on his oath depose and say that he is a nephew of the late Mr. Abraham Pratt Esq of Amwell and that he was present at the house of the said Mr. Abraham Pratt on the twenty sixth day of October One thou- -sand seven hundred and eighty one and there saw John Finley and Elizabeth Pratt married by the Rev. John Warford then Pastor of the first Presbyterian Church in Amwell. He is not mistaken in the time, he distinctly recollects of hearing some one of the company remark that the news of the surrender of Cornwallis was first six days in reaching that place. He recollects that a large concourse of People gathered there on that occasion. He under- -stood at that time, that the said John Finley was a Forage Master in the American Ser- -vice. That after the war was over John Finley bought a small farm adjoining where the deponent now lives and lived there for many years afterwards. That he has often seen the papers that Finley kept during the war and which he thinks Elizabeth Finley

when she was about to move from the place where her husband died destroyed them soon to be subscribed the day and year before written before me Levi M Mettler Justice Aaron Pratt

State of New Jersey } On this 22 nd day of May, Hunterdon County } 1846 personally appeared before the undersigned a Judge of the Court of Common Pleas in and for the said County John G Lanning a resident of Bethlehem in the County and State afore said aged fifty eight years to me well known as a credible man and a man of truth and veracity who being first duly sworn according to law doth depose and say that he was well acquainted with John Finley in his life time now deceased and with Elizabeth Finley his wife - That his wife is the daughter of John and Elizabeth Finley that he was acquainted with the hand writing of the said John Finley in his life time and that he has examined the signature of John Finley signed to a Transfer No 7 (seven) dated June 21 st 1778 and a Transfer for one share of paper dated Pitts Town May 27 1779 attached to the declaration of Elizabeth Finley and from his knowledge of the hand writing of the said John Finley he believes the said signatures one signed as John Finley M c , M c , and the other signed John Finley F r M c to be the genuine hand writing of John Finley now deceased and who in his life time lived with Elizabeth Finley as her husband He further saith that diligent search has been made for the records of the Marriage of John Finley and Elizabeth Pratt in all the Churches about where they were married but no records of Marriages or Baptisms of that time can be found that there is no town or County records to show their marriage nor is there any family records to be found

showing their marriage or the Birth of her children of which she had seven five older than the wife of this deponent That she had a family Bible with the birth of her children recorded therein but it was lost several years since and has not been found - That the said John Finley died on the ninth day of March 1814 and that Elizabeth Finley has ever since remained a widow He further saith that he has often heard the said John Finley say that he held offices of different grades in the Army of the Revolution and further he saith not I sworn to and subscribed on the day and year before mentioned before me Peter Case Judge John G Lanning

State of New Jersey Huntingdon County
ss On this 22 day of May One thousand eight hundred and forty six personally appeared before the undersigned a Judge of the Court of Common Pleas in and for said County personally appeared Sarah Johnson a res- ident of Hapsburg in the County and State aforesaid aged Twenty three years and upwards to me known to be a reputable character and whose veracity is not to be doubted who being first duly sworn according to law doth depose and say that she was well acquainted with John Smiley in his lifetime now deceased and with his wife Elizabeth Smiley whose name be- fore marriage was Elizabeth Prall daughter of Abraham Prall of Amwell in the County of Huntingdon and State of New Jersey. That Abraham Prall was ranked amongst the wealthiest citizens of Amwell. She further saith that she was at Abraham Prall's when his daughter Elizabeth and John Smiley were married. That Abraham Prall was an uncle to this deponent. She recollects that the said John Smiley and Elizabeth Prall were married soon after Lord Cornwallis was taken. They were married sometime in the month of Oct- = ber Seventeen hundred and Eighty One but she cannot define the day. She saw them married at the said Abraham Prall's by the Rev John Warford. That she understood at the time that the said John Smiley was an American officer serving as such at the time - sworn to and subscribed by making her mark because she cannot write Sarah Johnson the day and year above written before me Peter Case Judge